Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family
Brains On Universe
Smash Boom Best is a funny, smart debate show for kids and families from the Brains On Universe. Every episode takes two cool things, smashes them together and lets you decide which is best: Pikachu vs. Mario, Lollipops vs. Popcorn, Flamingos vs. Axolotls, Mermaids vs. Bigfoot, Cats vs. Dogs, Spiderman vs. Batman, Refrigerators vs. Toilets, Minecraft vs. Lego… the list goes on. Our star-studded line-up of debaters use facts and passion to make their case, teaching listeners how to defend their opinions along the way! Past debaters include Tim Platt, cast member of the comedy narrative play podcast Rude Tales of Magic, comedian and writer Jenny Yang, Minneapolis-based rapper NUR-D, comedian and creator of the Story Pirates Peter McNerney, Radio Ambulante’s Daniel Alarcón, journalist and host of Into It Sam Sanders, host of Terrible, Thanks for Asking Nora McInerney, food-writer Kenji Lopez-Alt and many, many more. To top it off, our State of Debate segment shows listeners how to identify logical fallacies in the wild. Ad hominem attacks and bandwagon fallacies, be gone! So if you’re looking to ignite a funny, feisty debate on your next roadtrip, or just want some amusing arguments for your kids to consider while they fall asleep… tune into Smash Boom Best, where we make debate – a blast!
Sales and Distribution by Lemonada Media https://lemonadamedia.com/
Sales and Distribution by Lemonada Media https://lemonadamedia.com/
Episodes
Mentioned books
9 snips
Feb 27, 2025 • 37min
Hamsters vs. Goldfish: an adorable debate
Nora McInerny, an author and podcaster, debates for Team Hamsters, while podcast producer Marcel Malekebu passionately supports Team Goldfish. They dive into the cuteness and charm of both pets, sharing playful anecdotes and unique traits. The discussion features humorous metaphors, whimsical insights, and a lighthearted exploration of the joys of pet ownership. Ultimately, listeners are invited to vote for their favorite pet while enjoying the comical and engaging exchange between these two spirited debaters.
Feb 20, 2025 • 34min
Matilda vs. Alice in Wonderland: a whimsical debate
Today’s debate is a showdown between two beloved stories — Matilda vs. Alice in Wonderland! Author and “Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest” podcast host Adam Gidwitz defends Roald Dahl’s tale of brainpower and rebellion, while filmmaker and rapper Jun Sekiya sings the praises of Lewis Carroll’s whimsical world of wonder. Who will be crowned the Smash Boom Best? Head on over to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who YOU think won!This week’s sponsor:Experience Disney's Snow White, only in theaters March 21. Rated PG, parental guidance suggested.Also… do you have your Smarty Pass yet? Get yours today for just $5/month (or $45/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org to get your Smarty Pass today. As an added bonus, your Smarty Pass will grant you access to a super special debate starring Sanden and Molly!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 18, 2025 • 2min
Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Squeak Attack
We’ve all heard of a sneak attack, but have you heard of a “Squeak Attack”? Well, Brains On Producer Marc Sanchez has and he’s ready to dish it out! Grab your Smarty Pass to hear how Producer Aron Woldeslassie fares against the squeak attack!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 13, 2025 • 35min
Telescope vs. Microscope: a focused debate
Today’s debate zooms out to the farthest reaches of space then back in to the tiniest details of life on Earth. It’s Telescope vs. Microscope! Astronomer Mark Popinchalk will leave you starry-eyed for Team Telescope, while writer and producer Menaka Wilhelm will fill you with marvel for Team Microscope. Who will reign supreme in this ultimate battle of magnification? Head on over to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who YOU think won!Also… do you have your Smarty Pass yet? Get yours today for just $5/month (or $45/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org to get your Smarty Pass today. As an added bonus, your Smarty Pass will grant you access to a super special debate starring Sanden and Molly!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 6, 2025 • 36min
Viola vs. Keyboard: a musical debate
Today’s debate is a matchup between two musical marvels. It’s viola vs. keyboard! Vying for the viola’s rich, velvety tones it’s violist Sam Bergman, and repping the keyboard’s versatility and funky beats is musician Katie Drahos! Who will be crowned the Smash Boom Best? Head on over to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who YOU think won!Also… do you have your Smarty Pass yet? Get yours today for just $5/month (or $45/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org to get your Smarty Pass today. As an added bonus, your Smarty Pass will grant you access to a super special debate starring Sanden and Molly!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 30, 2025 • 2min
We're back on February 6th!
Smash Boom Best is back on Thursday, February 1st with 16 new epic episodes! And we’re kicking it all off with our 100th episode! We've got a whole new pile of exciting matches coming up such as Hippopotamus vs. Dragonfly, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles vs. My Little Pony and Pegasus vs. Centaur. Which sides do YOU think will come out on top? There’s only one way to find out! Tune in on February 1st for the first of 16 new sizzling smackdowns. See you soon, smash boom besties!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 17, 2024 • 2min
Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Smash DOOM Best
Molly and Aron love horror movies! So to entertain them, Ruby plays small clips from some of the spookiest episodes of Smash Boom Best: We’re talking snakes! Spiders! Dragons! Vampires! Godzilla! Zombies! Then Ruby asks Aron and Molly a trivia question about each topic. Let the spooky fun commence!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 28, 2024 • 35min
Bluey vs. Elmo: a lovable debate
This lively debate features Kathryn VanArendonk, a writer known for 'The Bluey Years,' championing Bluey, and Margaret H. Willison, a culture writer and podcaster, advocating for Elmo. They discuss the cultural impact of both characters, weighing Bluey's modern charm against Elmo's classic appeal. The conversation dives into life lessons from each show, highlighting themes of kindness and self-identity. Listeners are invited to vote for their favorite character, promising an interactive and spirited showdown.
Nov 21, 2024 • 38min
Slides vs. Swings: a playground debate
Join Tim Platt, a comedian from Rude Tales of Magic, who champions slides, and Fareeha Khan, a versatile comedian and writer who advocates for swings. They dive into a spirited debate about the joys of playgrounds, trading hilarious anecdotes and personal memories. Tim highlights the thrill and simplicity of slides, while Fareeha showcases the social dynamics and challenges of swings. The vibrant exchange is filled with clever puns and fun reflections on childhood, making it a delightful confrontation of classic playground favorites!
Nov 19, 2024 • 2min
Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Molly’s super casual emergency
Brains On HQ is riddled with emergencies! A bowl of pudding is chasing Sanden. Marc’s piano has challenged him to a rap battle. And Rosie is out of mustard. Anna and Ruby need Molly’s help to solve these problems, but Molly is in her favorite chair so she can’t be bothered. Hopefully, a sneak attack can get her on her feet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
